Red Sox’ loss to Royals Saturday epitomizes season

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The Boston Red Sox’s 7-4 loss yesterday against the Kansas City Royals didn’t just result in their ninth loss within their past 12 games, but it emanated the apparent collapse of their season altogether. The Red Sox, who allowed a five run fifth inning collapse, have now marked their 15th loss of the season, in which they have coughed up the lead at some point in the game.

Rick Porcello, who has a 5.61 ERA on the year, was the one to lose his groove in the fifth, as Alcides Escobar initiated the Royals’ five run rally, with a single to center, scoring Alex Rios. The fifth inning catastrophe finally ended when Kendrys Morales, whose birthday was coincidentally yesterday, celebrated with belting a two run home run.

This was only one of the many incidents to exacerbate their day, as the Red Sox’s third baseman Pablo Sandoval and catcher Blake Swihart each left in the fifth inning following injuries they sustained. Sandoval, who most recently, was benched for his social media usage during a game, suffered a sprained ankle in the bottom of the fifth, while Swihart was taken out limping in the top of the fifth.

Pablo Sandoval limping with a sprained ankle in the Red Sox's match up Saturday vs. the Kansas City Royals. Photo by USA Today

Pablo Sandoval limping with a sprained ankle in the Red Sox’s match up Saturday vs. the Kansas City Royals.
Photo by USA Today

Unfortunately, it didn’t end there as David Ortiz made matters worse, arguing with the home plate umpire a strike two call he disagreed with. Following the strike two call, Ortiz singled to center on the next pitch and then began voicing his opinion of the umpire’s call, which ultimately led to his ejection. Ortiz, who is no stranger to expressing his displeasure with poor calls, then began charging at the umpire and even mocking him by gesturing that the umpire would be ejected too.

Despite highlighting a star studded cast, with talent like David Ortiz, Dustin Pedroia, Pablo Sandoval, and Hanley Ramirez, the Red Sox remain dead last in the AL East at a record of 30-40. With their inconsistent results of their past three seasons, going from worst to first to worst again, many believed the team would revert back to their elite status this year. Having not been above .500 since May 1, when they were 12-11, and having not been in first place in the AL East since April 24, it’s legitimate to ask if the Red Sox have thrown in the towel.

One would think a team succumbing to a seven game losing streak, which occurred from June 9 to June 15, would dial their focus up a notch in getting back to winning games. Sandoval’s benching, for social media usage during their second game of their series vs the Atlanta Braves, in addition to Ortiz’s ejection, seem to indicate their continuous lack of control.

It’s difficult to really place the blame on one particular person, as they have been struggling in just about every area. They rank 19th offensively in runs scored as a team and 16th in batting average with a collective .254 batting average, while ranking 23rd in opponent batting average and 29th in pitching with a 4.49 ERA. In finding a solution, their contract ties to paying Rick Porcello over $20 million per year over the next four years suggest the possibility of having to postpone their attempt in finding their true ace.

Red Sox Manager John Farrell.  Photo taken by Jared Wickerham of Getty Images.

Red Sox Manager John Farrell.
Photo taken by Jared Wickerham of Getty Images.

With the bevy of pressing issues in need for solutions, it’s hard to believe the Red Sox will be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Their team is lacking focus and discipline, especially in recent times, and they simply can’t seem to find a rhythm on neither offense nor defense. Especially with the pitching struggles on the Red Sox right now, a season saved would only ensue if the offense lights up.

Talent is no issue for the Red Sox with the cast and crew they have right now, but as for discipline, focus, or even heart, these may be the characteristics the Red Sox may need to restore if they want to win. The Red Sox have a lot of concerns to consider solutions for right now if they would like to salvage their season, and the way it looks is that post season play may not be a thought to consider until 2016.